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Lycopene attenuates thermal hyperalgesia in a diabetic mouse model of neuropathic pain
Anurag Kuhad1, Sameer Sharma, Kanwaljit Chopra
1Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC Centre of Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India.
Abstract:
Diabetic neuropathic pain, an important microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus is recognized as one of the most difficult types of pain to treat. The development of tolerance, inadequate relief and potential toxicity of classical antinociceptives warrant the investigation of the newer agents to relieve this pain. The aim of the present study was to explore the antinociceptive effect of lycopene and its effect on tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) release in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice. Four weeks after a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (200 mg/kg), mice were tested in the tail immersion and hot-plate assays. Diabetic mice exhibited significant hyperalgesia alongwith increased plasma glucose and decreased body weights as compared with control mice. Lycopene (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg body weight; per oral) treatment, from the 4th to 8th week after streptozotocin injection, significantly attenuated thermal hyperalgesia and the hot-plate latencies. Lycopene also inhibited the TNF-alpha and NO release in a dose dependent manner. These results indicate an antinociceptive activity of lycopene possibly through its inhibitory action on NO and TNF-alpha release and point towards its potential to attenuate diabetic neuropathic pain.
Insights
Lycopene demonstrates potential in treating diabetic neuropathic pain by reducing hyperalgesia. This antioxidant may alleviate pain by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release in diabetic mice.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic neuropathic pain is a challenging microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Existing treatments for neuropathic pain have limitations, including tolerance, inadequate relief, and toxicity.
- Novel therapeutic agents are needed to effectively manage diabetic neuropathic pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antinociceptive effects of lycopene in a mouse model of diabetic neuropathic pain.
- To evaluate the impact of lycopene on plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO).
Main Methods:
- Diabetic neuropathy was induced in mice using streptozotocin.
- Antinociceptive effects were assessed using tail immersion and hot-plate tests.
- Lycopene was administered orally to diabetic mice, and its effects on thermal hyperalgesia, body weight, plasma glucose, TNF-alpha, and NO were measured.
Main Results:
- Diabetic mice exhibited significant hyperalgesia, increased plasma glucose, and decreased body weight compared to controls.
- Lycopene treatment dose-dependently attenuated thermal hyperalgesia and increased hot-plate latencies in diabetic mice.
- Lycopene significantly inhibited the release of TNF-alpha and NO in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- Lycopene exhibits significant antinociceptive activity in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model.
- The findings suggest that lycopene's pain-relieving effects may be mediated by its inhibitory action on NO and TNF-alpha release.
- Lycopene shows potential as a therapeutic agent for managing diabetic neuropathic pain.
